A peaked cap worn by one of the most famous characters in British film history is being sought to help celebrate a movie milestone.

Hunting the hat worn by Mr Perks in The Railway Children, is Keighley and Worth Valley Railway volunteer David Petyt.

He wants it to help re-create scenes from the movie, which was shot 40 years ago along the five mile heritage line between Keighley and Oxenhope.

KWVR bosses are celebrating the anniversary over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 1, 2, and 3 when amateur actors in costume will recreate some famous scenes. The action will take place at Oakworth Station, where Mr Perks, played by Bernard Cribbins, was station master.

Mr Petyt said: “All the major characters are being acted and the peaked cap worn by Mr Perks is special. We want to have the correct cap.

“It is a completely different design to anything you can find. I got a quote for its re-manufacture and it would cost £450.

“If nobody can come forward with a cap like that then a cap from that era – the film was set in 1905 – would be great.”

It would also be used as part of a special event in which people would be given a chance to be Mr Perks.

“This has not been done before – the public will be able to operate the level crossing, the signal and blow the whistle to stop the train. It should be good fun.”

The weekend will also offer people a chance to climb aboard The Green Dragon, which starred in the film, take cream tea in the Old Gentleman’s Saloon and wave to The Railway Children as they pass in the train.

Visitors will also be able to take part in a guided tour of the film’s locations.

An updated copy of the movie, which also stars Sally Thomsett and Jenny Agutter, has been digitally re-mastered.

It is due to be premiered at the Bradford International Film Festival on Sunday, March 28, before it is re-released in cinemas nationwide in April.

A DVD version will follow and be available in shops from May.